Former Wigan man could have signed for Liverpool as a youngster.
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Everton’s new signing from Wigan, James McCarthy, has revealed he was turned down by their Merseyside rivals Liverpool after a trial period early in his career, according to the Daily Star.
The Republic of Ireland international was linked with the Reds again this summer, as well as other clubs, after some impressive displays for Wigan in the Premier League last season, though the Latics were ultimately relegated.
Deemed as being too good to be play in the Championship, this alerted the likes of Newcastle to his availability as well, though in the end it was Everton who snapped him up for £13m on deadline day, in a move that saw him reunited with his former Wigan manager Roberto Martinez at Goodison Park.
The youngster says he is happy to have made the move, but revealed things could have gone very differently early on in his career.
“I went down to Liverpool for a week’s trial,” he said.
“It wasn’t to be, I was too young at the time. I didn’t want to move away from home. To be honest, the way things have worked out, I am happy.”
He added that he’s happy to be playing under the guidance of Martinez again, and praised the Spanish tactician for the stylish attacking football he makes his sides play.
“He is a very good manager,” he added. “You can see he likes to play football. It is always pleasing on the eye for people watching.”
Despite their relegation together last season, the pair celebrated a shock FA Cup win over favourites Manchester City at Wembley.